Maltz Jupiter Theatre

Last updated
Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Formation1979
TypeTheatre group
Location
  • Jupiter, Florida
Artistic director(s)
Andrew Kato
Notable members
Founders and Owners: Burt Reynolds, Otto Divosta, Bud Paxson, Milton and Tamar Maltz
Website jupitertheatre.org

Maltz Jupiter Theatre is an American not-for-profit, professional theatre located in Jupiter, Florida, United States. [1]

Contents

Origins

The theatre was originally founded in 1979 as the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater, owned and operated by the namesake actor. During the Dinner Theater's operating years, 1979-1996, it featured more celebrity performers than any other arts venue in Palm Beach County, including the opening season's Vanities (starring Sally Field, Tyne Daly, and Gail Strickland). [2] Reynolds performed in three shows, directed others, and worked alongside stars such as Martin Sheen, Sarah Jessica Parker, and others.

Reynolds later renamed the building the Burt Reynolds Jupiter Theatre. He established an on-site program at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Theatre Training, where students were taught classes by celebrity performers, including Liza Minnelli and Charles Nelson Reilly.

1989-2000

In 1989, Reynolds leased the playhouse to Richard C. Akins, who ran operations until 1996. [3] He sold the theater to Otto Divosta that year, who leased it to the Carousel Dinner Theatre. Divosta sold the theatre in 1999 to Bud Paxson, who donated it to the Christ Fellowship Church in the same year. [4]

Since 2001

In 2001, the Palm Beach Playhouse Inc. was formed as a non-profit organization, who purchased the building. After a full renovation, the theatre was reopened as the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in February, 2004, with a 554 seat playhouse. [5]

In August 2005, current artistic director Andrew Kato joined the volunteer staff. In 2007, he helped the creation of facilities for the Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which functions to serve students throughout the year. [6]

In 2008, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre received the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fund grant [7] and a grant from the Roy A. Hunt Foundation to support Emerging Artists Series in Musical Theatre Playwriting, helping young writers in their growth. [8] The Maltz Jupiter Theatre continues to receive favorable reviews from all South Florida outlets, ranging from Broadway World [9] and Talking Broadway's [10] international coverage, to local publications such as The Palm Beach Post , [11] Sun Sentinel , [12] South Florida Theatre Scene, [13] and Palms West Monthly. [14]

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References

  1. ↑ Joomla. "Maltz Jupiter Theatre - Theatre History". Jupitertheatre.org. Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  2. ↑ "1978-79 Season |". Carbonellawards.org. Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  3. ↑ Dolen, Christine Arnold (1989-08-13). "The curtain falls on burt reynolds's florida theater". The Washington Post . Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  4. ↑ Duggan, Ed (2001-11-26). "What price to save Jupiter's Palm Beach Playhouse?". South Florida Business Journal . Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  5. ↑ Jones, Kenneth (2004-04-06). "New Resident LORT House, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Opens With My Fair Lady and Big Plans for 2004-05". Playbill . Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  6. ↑ "MALTZ JUPITER THEATRE PREPARES FOR BRIGHT FUTURE AS ANDREW KATO IS PROMOTED TO CHIEF EXECUTIVE - Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, FL". Business.palmbeaches.org. Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  7. ↑ "Maltz Jupiter Theatre Company Announces 'We Create Art' Series". Broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  8. ↑ "Carol Saunders: Maltz Emerging Artist show, "Academy," chosen for New York Musical Theatre Festival". Archive.tcpalm.com. Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  9. ↑ "Maltz Jupiter Theatre News". Broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  10. ↑ "Talkin' Broadway Regional News & Reviews - "The Mousetrap" 11/2/15". Talkinbroadway.com. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  11. ↑ "Review: Maltz Jupiter Theatre stages powerful version of "Frost/Nixon"". Mypalmbeachpost.com. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  12. ↑ Glassman, Marvin. "Palm Beach County actor, 12, stars in 'Finding Neverland'". Sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  13. ↑ "Maltz Jupiter Theatre: Doubt (reviews)". Southfloridatheatrescene.com. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  14. ↑ "Review: Vicki Lewis triumphs in 'Gypsy' at the Maltz". Palmswestmonthly.com. 29 March 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
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